History isn't pre-determined. Japan attacked the USA without having the capability to finish the job.I have detailed on other threads hypothetical scenarios where the Japanese could have been on the winning side.

You cite the case of the Philagelphia Eagles. Well if they were playing a side who only had the stamina and strength to play out half the match, and then collapse from exhaustion, which side would you bet on winning? It isn't the case that a match result would be pre-determined, certainly not the actual score, its that the opposition isn't of a standard to justify being on the field.

Actions that produced the true turning point in the Pacific War. Midway was grand, but still only a tactical victory.

Savo Island, November 1942 was a tactical draw, or loss, but a strategic victory.

In Harm's Way tried to kinda depict it, that and New Guinea, but bit off more than it could chew.

Hop to it! I want to see that movie!

I believe that the Battle of Savo Island actually took place August 9, 1942 and the result was the sinking of 4 allied cruisers with little loss to the Japanese. While it would make a spectacular movie, what I have generally seen referred to as The First and Second Battles of Guadalcanal--and what you are no doubt referring to as the dates are the same--were much more even fights with a lot of destruction being visited on both sides and a great deal of uncertainty as to the likely outcome. A better movie--but that's what you meant I am sure so maybe I should just shut up lol.

Savo Island.North Cape.Vella Lavella.2nd Sirte.1st and 2nd Narvik rolled into one movie.Lepanto.Jutland.Dogger Bank.Coronel and Falklands rolled into one movie.

Jutland, of course! The others are all good ideas but Lepanto would probably be best other than Jutland. A much nastier and closer run affair than most naval battles for sure. The taking of the Moslem flagship, and the struggle for the galleys of the Knights of St. John would both be highlights, and hard to beat for dramatic action.

Lepanto and even some of the naval battles of the Punic Wars would have both naval heroics and some seriously bloody close combat scenes.Also, from the modern era were long range gunnery became the essence of naval war then such close up gunnery actions like the Narvik battles (crowded by Norwegian fjiords) and night actions like Vela Lavella would be edge of the seat stuff.

An updated, and more accurate story of the Torpedo Boats in WW2, where US "plywood cockleshells" slugged it out with the Tokyo Express.

And maybe a thousand other scenarios

Here is everything I know about war: Someone wins, Someone loses, and nothing is ever the same again. Here is everything I know about life: The only certainties are death and taxes. The enemy of freedom are those who proclaim only they can uphold it.